Joe Manganiello Says MAGIC MIKE 2 “Is Gonna Happen This Fall”

Though reboots and big franchise properties are the main output for studios nowadays, every now and then a smaller film will pop with audiences and become a surprise success. Such was the case with director Steven Soderbergh’s excellent male stripper drama Magic Mike, which grossed a hefty $167 million worldwide against a budget of just $7 million. Obviously with that kind of return it would be financially sound to move forward with a sequel, and star/producer Channing Tatum has been keen on making the follow-up a reality. However, with Soderbergh in a self-imposed retirement and Tatum plenty busy with other projects, the timeline of the follow-up has been a bit murky.

Recently, while we were speaking with Joe Manganiello in anticipation of the ensemble actioner Sabotage, the actor offered a surprising update on Magic Mike 2, revealing that filming is poised to get underway this fall. Hit the jump for his full comments.

When we asked if he was still hoping to do the Magic Mike sequel, Manganiello told us that it’s actually moving forward later this year:

“Yeah, it’s gonna happen this fall. I think they’re going to announce it soon. It’s crazy. I didn’t think that would be my first franchise. I never thought that would ever be the direction of my career. But that said, it’s just proof that I don’t know best, all the time. It was the most fun I’ve ever had, and I can’t wait to get back in and mix it up with those guys.”

A director has yet to be announced for Magic Mike 2, but there has been speculation that Channing Tatum might actually co-direct with his producing/writing partner Reid Carolin. The two are looking to direct something in the near future, and recently met with producers about helming the crime thriller The Son. That said, there’s also the possibility that Tatum may opt to simply act in and produce the Magic Mike sequel, in which case another director could be brought in to take the helm.

Tatum recently shared an image of himself getting to work on the screenplay for the Magic Mike sequel so we know the project is a reality, and with Manganiello’s statement it certainly sounds like it will be coming to fruition sooner rather than later. Hopefully we hear firm word on the director front soon.

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